Control arms. I'm going to admit this.....

shawnoneu · #1 08-20-2009, 09:18 AM

I'm one that really hates to admit my mistakes but if I can keep anyone on this site from purchasing bad parts then I will man up. In short...lower control/thrust bushings cracked in 2002 X5 3.0 143,000 miles. Tremendous shaking in front end on braking. I was being cheap and purchased bushings off ebay for $22 each. Shipping was fast...that was where the good ended. I noticed right away the rubber used on the new Bushings was much softer and less rigid than the originals. In my thought process...maybe the originals hardened up a bit over the years. Took them to my shop and pressed out the old. One note on that. When pressing one of the bushings out the ram slipped to the inside of the steel and just pushed the rubber out. Black oil like fluid shot all over the press. I thought at first the press shot the liquid out. It came from inside the rubber on the bushing?? Possibly rain water trapped inside once it cracked? Anyway...pressed one of the new bushings in. It went in fine. Pulled the other bushing from the package and was getting ready to press it in the arm. It fell right through the arm. It was .015 smaller than the arm. I was pretty much disgusted at that point. So it just goes to show...u do get what you pay for. Parts came from ebay but labeled UROPARTS.COM

CharlieHustleX5 · #2 08-20-2009, 10:16 PM

Ouch.

Thanks for the heads up though.

carlgo · #3 08-21-2009, 11:16 AM

Installing bushings is only fun when you are done.

Kuddel · #4 08-21-2009, 06:15 PM

You get a new lower control arm including new Ball joint for
$109.- at Bavarian Auto, no problem easy to exchange, only to loosen to nuts, replace arm and done with. Install you find under "How to"

Kuddel

Joe@Crevier BMW · #5 08-21-2009, 06:41 PM

All of these types of bushings has fluid in them by design. If your not careful fluid will leak out when removing or installing them.
FYI,
Lower Control Arm Bushings $39.64 each
Thrust Arm Bushings $24.30 each

X5girl · #6 08-24-2009, 05:28 AM

Correct. Almost all late BMW thrust bushes are oil filled. Replacing them can be a messy job but I find that as long as you know and are prepared, then I push the rubber inner out of the arm first, then press the outer bush housing. I fitted the replacement polyurethane bushes from PhoenixMotorsport which are both firmer and much easier to fit, and should prove longer lasting too so no more oily mess for me.

X5Girl.xxx